EU cuts 2 million euros in funds to Venice Biennale over Russian pavilion dispute

The funding cut

The European Commission has recommended that the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) stop a 2-million-euro grant to the Venice Biennale, spread over three years. The announcement came on 11 July 2026 via a post on X by executive vice-president Henna Virkkunen.

The Commission officially recommends that the EACEA agency interrupt the 2 million euro contribution to the Venice Biennale. This follows an in-depth assessment of the Biennale's responses justifying the reopening of the Russian pavilion.

Virkkunen added that culture financed by taxpayer money should promote democratic values, which she said are not respected in today's Russia.

How the dispute unfolded

The controversy began in spring 2026 when the Biennale, led by president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, decided to host the Russian pavilion despite opposition from Italy's culture minister Alessandro Giuli. The pavilion had been closed since 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Biennale maintained that its presence did not violate EU sanctions, and the structure was never opened to the general public, appearing only during press preview days before being closed.

The European Commission and EACEA sent several letters requesting clarification before and after the event's opening. Brussels had warned the Biennale that proceeding risked the loss of EU funds. On 9 May 2026, the Biennale opened with the Russian pavilion present, a date coinciding with Europe Day, which intensified the Commission's stance.

Political reactions in Italy

The funding suspension triggered immediate pushback from Italian politicians. Veneto regional president Alberto Stefani called the move an unacceptable censorship imposed by the EU. He expressed solidarity with Buttafuoco and urged Europe to return to the spirit of its founding fathers.

Culture has always represented a space for dialogue, even in the most difficult moments of history, and should not be subject to blackmail or censorship.

Matteo Salvini's League party also condemned the decision, stating the Biennale represents history, culture, art, innovation and freedom. The party announced it would ask the Italian government to make up for the withdrawn EU funds, declaring that culture does not bow to Brussels' diktats. Deputy prime minister Salvini was present at the Biennale on 9 May, which reportedly increased irritation among EU officials.

The Biennale's response

The Biennale said it learned of the decision from political authorities on X rather than from the competent technical bodies. It confirmed having responded within the established deadlines to all points raised in the third letter received from EACEA on the matter.

We are awaiting a formal technical note from EACEA to assess any subsequent steps and to assert our reasons in all appropriate venues.

The institution added that the affected programmes continue, as they are only marginally co-financed by the EU contribution.

What comes next

The Commission's recommendation to EACEA is not yet a formalised decision, but it is widely expected to be implemented. The Biennale has indicated its readiness to challenge the move through all competent channels once it receives the formal technical notification.